Via rail solution for high power electromigration

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit having a via rail that prevents reliability concerns such as electro-migration. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit has a first plurality of conductive contacts arranged over a semiconductor substrate. A first metal interconnect wire is arranged over the first plurality of conductive contacts, and a second metal interconnect wire is arranged over the first metal interconnect wire. A via rail is arranged over the first metal interconnect wire and electrically couples the first metal interconnect wire and the second metal interconnect wire. The via rail has a length that continuously extends over two or more of the plurality of conductive contacts. The length of via rail provides for an increased cross-sectional area both between the first metal interconnect wire and the second metal interconnect wire and along a length of the via rail, thereby mitigating electro-migration within the integrated circuit.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/246,366 filed on Oct. 26, 2015. The contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Over the last four decades the semiconductor fabrication industry has been driven by a continual demand for greater performance (e.g., increased processing speed, memory capacity, etc.), a shrinking form factor, extended battery life, and lower cost. In response to this demand, the industry has continually reduced a size of semiconductor device components, such that modern day integrated chips may comprise millions or billions of semiconductor devices arranged on a single semiconductor die.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of an integrated circuit having a back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal stack comprising a via rail configured to mitigate electro-migration.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some additional embodiments of an integrated circuit having a BEOL metal stack comprising a via rail.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top-view of some additional embodiments of an integrated circuit having a BEOL metal stack comprising a via rail.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some additional embodiments of an integrated circuit having a via rail.

FIG. 5 illustrates some additional embodiments of a cross-sectional view an integrated circuit having a BEOL metal stack comprising a via rail.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate some embodiments of an integrated circuit comprising a back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal stack with a via rail arranged over a plurality of FinFET devices.

FIGS. 7-17 illustrate cross-sectional views of some embodiments of a method of forming an integrated circuit having a BEOL metal stack comprising a via rail.

FIG. 18 illustrates a flow diagram of some embodiments of a method of forming an integrated circuit having a BEOL metal stack comprising a via rail.

FIG. 19 illustrates a flow diagram of some embodiments of a method of determining an optimized cell height for scaling based on electro-migration specifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

Integrated chips (ICs) comprise power distribution networks that are configured to distribute power and ground voltages to multiple devices (e.g., transistors) within the ICs. Power distribution networks often comprise power rails, which are metal interconnect wires arranged within a back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal stack. The power rails are held at a selected voltage potential and are electrically coupled to a plurality of devices, so as to provide the voltage potential to the devices. For example, integrated chips often comprise a first power rail held at a source voltage potential (V_(SS)) and a second power rail held at a ground voltage potential (V_(DD)).

Typically, power rails are arranged on a lower metal interconnect wire (e.g., a “M1” layer). However, as the size of integrated chips decreases the size of the power rails has also decreased, causing a high current density within the power rails. It has been appreciated that in emerging technology nodes (e.g., 14 nm, 10 nm, 7 nm, 5 nm, etc.) the high current density can lead to reliability concerns such as electro-migration and/or IR issues (due to a higher resistance of the smaller metal interconnect wires). To improve electro-migration larger power rails (e.g., having a larger width and/or the height) may be used, however such an approach prevents proper scaling of cell sizes. Alternatively, multiple stacked metal interconnect wire layers may be collectively operated to act as a power rail structure. However, such an approach cannot prevent electro-migration ‘hot spots’ (i.e., areas within one or more of the multiple metal interconnect wire layers experiencing high electro-migration).

The present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit having a power rail structure, comprising two metal wire layers and an intervening via rail, which enables proper cell scaling while preventing reliability concerns such as electro-migration and/or IR issues. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit comprises a first plurality of conductive contacts arranged over a semiconductor substrate. A first metal interconnect wire is arranged over the first plurality of conductive contacts, and a second metal interconnect wire arranged over the first metal interconnect wire. A via rail is arranged over the first metal interconnect wire and is configured to electrically couple the first metal interconnect wire and the second metal interconnect wire. The via rail has a length that continuously extends over two or more of the plurality of conductive contacts. The length of the via rail provides for an increased cross-sectional area both between the first metal interconnect wire and the second metal interconnect wire and along a length of the via rail, thereby mitigating electro-migration and electro-migration hot spots within the integrated circuit.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some embodiments of an integrated circuit 100 having a back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal stack comprising a via rail configured to mitigate electro-migration.

The integrated circuit 100 comprises a well region 106 arranged within a semiconductor substrate 102. The well region 106 comprises an active area 104 comprising a plurality of source/drain regions 108 arranged within the well region 106. The well region 106 has a first doping type that is opposite a second doping type of the semiconductor substrate 102. The plurality of source/drain regions 108 comprise highly doped regions (e.g., having a doping concentration greater than that of the surrounding semiconductor substrate 102 and/or well region 106) having the second doping type. For example, a PMOS active area formed within a p-type substrate may comprise p-type source/drain regions arranged within an n-well.

A plurality of gate structures 110 (to simplify the illustration, a single gate structure 110 is labeled in the figures) are arranged over the semiconductor substrate 102 between the plurality of source/drain regions 108. The plurality of gate structures 110 are configured to control a flow of charge carriers (e.g., holes or electrons) within a channel region 109 extending between adjacent source/drain regions 108 during operation of a transistor device 107. A plurality of middle-end-of-the-line (MEOL) structures 112 (to simplify the illustration, a single MEOL structure 112 is labeled in the figures) are arranged over the source/drain regions 108 at locations interleaved between the plurality of gate structures 110. The plurality of MEOL structures 112 comprise conductive material arranged in contact with the source/drain regions 108. The plurality of MEOL structures 112 are configured to provide for lateral signal routing (e.g., signal routing in a direction parallel to a top surface of the semiconductor substrate 102).

A plurality of conductive contacts 114 (to simplify the illustration, a single conductive contact 114 is labeled in the figures) are coupled to transistor devices 107 within the semiconductor substrate 102. In some embodiments, the plurality of conductive contacts 114 are arranged onto the plurality of MEOL structures 112. In other embodiments, the plurality of conductive contacts 114 may be arranged onto the plurality of gate structures 110. The plurality of conductive contacts 114 electrically couple the transistor devices 107 to a first metal interconnect wire 116. A via rail 118 is arranged over the first metal interconnect wire 116, and a second metal interconnect wire 120 is arranged on the via rail 118. A second via 122 is arranged on the second metal interconnect wire 120.

The via rail 118 has an elongated shape (e.g., a rectangular shape) with a length L_(vr) extending along a longer axis and a width extending along a shorter axis (i.e., into the plane of the drawing). The length L_(vr) of the via rail 118 is larger than a length L_(c) of respective ones of the plurality of conductive contacts 114 and/or a length L_(v) of the second via 122. In some embodiments, the via rail 118 extends past opposing sides of an underlying conductive contact 114 (e.g., from beyond a first sidewall of a conductive contact 114 to beyond an opposing, second sidewall of the conductive contact 114). In some embodiments, the via rail 118 continuously extends over two or more of the conductive contacts 114.

The length L_(vr) of the via rail 118 provides for an increased cross-sectional area between the first metal interconnect wire 116 and the second metal interconnect wire 120 and along a length of the via rail 118. The increased cross-sectional area reduces electro-migration stress and resistance (e.g., the via rail 118 may reduce electro-migration stress by more than 2 times that of traditional via structures). The length L_(vr) of the via rail 118 also enables improved scaling of integrated circuit layouts, since the increased cross-sectional area allows for a cell height to be reduced without significantly increasing electro-migration (e.g., the via rail 118 allows for a cross-sectional area of a current path of a power rail to increase while reducing a width of the power rail).

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some additional embodiments of an integrated circuit 200 having a BEOL metal stack comprising a via rail.

The integrated circuit 200 comprises a plurality of source/drain regions 108 disposed within a well region 106 arranged within a semiconductor substrate 102. A dielectric structure 208 comprising an ILD layer 206 and a plurality of inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layers 208 a-208 d is arranged over the semiconductor substrate 102. In some embodiments, the ILD layer 206 may comprise an oxide (e.g., SiO₂) or a doped silicate glass. In various embodiments, the plurality of IMD layers 208 a-208 d may comprise one or more of a low-k dielectric layer (i.e., a dielectric with a dielectric constant less than about 3.9), an ultra low-k dielectric layer, or an oxide (e.g., silicon oxide).

A plurality of gate structures 110 are arranged within the ILD layer 206 between adjacent source/drain regions 108. The plurality of gate structures 110 respectively comprise a gate dielectric layer 202 and an overlying gate electrode 204. In various embodiments, the gate dielectric layer 202 may comprise an oxide or a high-k dielectric layer. In some embodiments, the gate electrode 204 may comprise polysilicon or a metal (e.g., aluminum). In some embodiments, sidewall spacers (not shown) may be arranged on opposing sides of the gate structures 110. In some embodiments, the plurality of gate structures 110 are arranged at a contact gate pitch p_(CGP) (i.e., a spacing between left edges of the gate structures 110 or between right edges of the gate structures 110) having values that vary due to misalignment errors by less than or equal to approximately 5%.

A plurality of middle-end-of-the-line (MEOL) structures 112 are also arranged within the ILD layer 206 over the plurality of source/drain regions 108. In some embodiments, the plurality of MEOL structures 112 may have heights that are substantially equal to heights of the plurality of gate structures 110 (i.e., upper surfaces of the plurality of MEOL structures 112 are substantially co-planar with upper surfaces of the gate structures 110). The plurality of MEOL structures 112 may comprise a conductive material such as aluminum, copper, and/or tungsten, for example.

A plurality of conductive contacts 114 are disposed within a first inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer 208 a of the dielectric structure 208. In some embodiments, the conductive contacts 114 may comprise a conductive metal such as tungsten. The plurality of conductive contacts 114 are electrically coupled to a first metal interconnect wire 116 arranged within a second IMD layer 208 b overlying the first IMD layer 208 a. In some embodiments, the first metal interconnect wire 116 may comprise copper, aluminum, or a copper alloy.

A via rail 118 is arranged onto the first metal interconnect wire 116 and is configured to electrically couple the first metal interconnect wire 116 to an overlying second metal interconnect wire 120. In some embodiments, the via rail 118 may have a length L_(vr) that is greater than the contact gate pitch p_(CGP). In some embodiments, the via rail 118 and the second metal interconnect wire 120 may be arranged within a third IMD layer 208 c overlying the second IMD layer 208 b. In some embodiments, the via rail 118 and the second metal interconnect wire 120 may comprise copper, aluminum, or a copper alloy.

In some embodiments, the first metal interconnect wire 116 has a first height h₁ and sidewalls with a first angle Θ₁. The via rail 118 has a second height h₂ that is different than the first height h₁. In some embodiments, for example, the second height h₂ may be greater than the first height h₁. In some embodiments, the first metal interconnect wire 116 may have sidewalls with a first angle Θ₁ and the via rail 118 may have sidewalls with a second angle Θ₂. In some embodiments, the first angle Θ₁ is substantially equal to the second angle Θ₂. In other embodiments, the first angle Θ₁ is different than the second angle Θ₂.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top-view of some additional embodiments of an integrated circuit 300 having a BEOL metal stack comprising a via rail.

The integrated circuit 300 comprises a first active area 104 a and a second active area 104 b arranged within a semiconductor substrate 102. The first active area 104 a and the second active area 104 b comprise source/drain regions extending along a first direction 302. In some embodiments, source/drain regions within the first active area 104 a have different doping types than source/drain regions within the second active area 104 b.

A plurality of gate structures 110 extend over the active areas, 104 a and 104 b, along a second direction 304 that is perpendicular to the first direction 302. A plurality of MEOL structures 112 extend over the active areas, 104 a and 104 b, along the second direction 304 at locations between the plurality of gate structures 110. The plurality of MEOL structures 112 are coupled to first metal interconnect wires, 116 a and 116 b, by way of conductive contacts 114. The first metal interconnect wires, 116 a and 116 b, are separated by the active areas, 104 a and 104 b, and extend in parallel over the plurality of gate structures 110 along the first direction 302. In some embodiments, an output pin 308 is on a same metal wire layer as the first metal interconnect wires and is coupled to the plurality of MEOL structures 112 by way of the conductive contacts 114.

Second metal interconnect wires, 120 a and 120 b, extend over the first metal interconnect wires, 116 a and 116 b, in the first direction 302. The first metal interconnect wires, 116 a and 116 b, are respectively coupled to the second metal interconnect wires, 120 a and 120 b, by way of via rails, 118 a and 118 b. The via rails, 118 a and 118 b, respectively comprise an elongated shape having a longer dimension extending in the first direction 302. In some embodiments, the via rails, 118 a and 118 b, have a substantially rectangular footprint. In some embodiments, the first metal interconnect wires, 116 a and 116 b, and the second metal interconnect wires, 120 a and 120 b, extend past opposing sidewalls of the via rails, 118 a and 118 b, in the first direction 302 and in the second direction 304.

The first metal interconnect wires, 116 a and 116 b, the via rails 118 a and 118 b, and the second metal interconnect wires, 120 a and 120 b, collectively comprise power rail structures, 306 a and 306 b, configured to distribute a voltage potential to multiple devices in the integrated circuit 300. In some embodiments, a first power rail structure 306 a may be held at a supply voltage (e.g., V_(DD)), while a second power rail structure 306 b may be held at a ground voltage (e.g., V_(SS)). In various embodiments, the power rail structures, 306 a and 306 b, may be arranged over or adjacent to the active areas, 104 a and 104 b.

By placing the via rails, 118 a and 118 b, respectively between the first metal interconnect wires, 116 a and 116 b, and the second metal interconnect wires, 120 a and 120 b, a cross-sectional area of the power rail structures, 306 a and 306 b, is increased. Increasing the cross-sectional area of the power rail structures, 306 a and 306 b, decreases electro-migration, and therefore also allows for a cell height 310 to be scaled without degrading electro-migration of the integrated circuit 300.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some additional embodiments of an integrated circuit 400 having a via rail.

The integrated circuit 400 comprises a plurality of metal interconnect layers arranged within a dielectric structure 208 overlying a semiconductor substrate 102. The plurality of metal interconnect layers comprise a local power rail structure 401 comprising a first metal interconnect wire 116, a via rail 118, and a second metal interconnect wire 120. In some embodiments, the plurality of metal interconnect layers further comprise a second power rail arranged on an upper metal interconnect wire 406 over the second metal interconnect wire 120. In such embodiments, the upper metal interconnect wire 406 may be held at a selected voltage (e.g., V_(SS) or V_(DD)). The upper metal interconnect wire 406 is coupled to the second metal interconnect wire 120 by way of a plurality of stacked intermediate metal interconnect wires 404 a-404 b and one or more intermediate vias 402 a-402 c. The via rail 118 continuously extends between first and second columns of the stacked intermediate metal interconnect wires 404 a-404 b and one or more intermediate vias 402 a-402 c, so as to provide current paths 408 having a relatively large cross-sectional area.

For example, during operation current travels from the upper metal interconnect wire 406 to the second metal interconnect wire 120 through the current paths 408. Since the size of the upper metal interconnect wire 406 is relatively large, the current density of the upper metal interconnect wire 406 is relatively small. However, the small size of the first and second metal interconnect wires, 116 and 120, causes the current density to increase (e.g., due to small cross-sectional area). The via rail 118 reduces the current density within the first metal interconnect wire 116 and the second metal interconnect wire 120 by increasing a cross-sectional area in a first direction 410 parallel to a surface of the semiconductor substrate 102 and in a second direction 412 perpendicular to the surface of the semiconductor substrate 102.

In some embodiments, a via 414 is arranged over the first metal interconnect wire 116 at a location offset from the via rail 118. The via 414 and the via rail 118 have a same width (into the plane of the drawing) and different lengths (in direction 410). For example, in some embodiments, the via rail 118 has length (in direction 410) that is more than five times a length of the via 414. In other embodiments, the via rail 118 has length that is more than ten times a length of the via 414.

Although the power rail structure 401 is shown as being on a first metal interconnect wire (e.g., a ‘M1’ layer) and a second metal interconnect wire (e.g., a ‘M2’ layer), it will be appreciated that power rail structure (e.g., metal interconnect wires held at V_(DD) or V_(SS)) may be arranged on additional and/or different metal wire layers separated by a via rail. For example, the power rail structure may comprise a third metal interconnect wire (e.g., a ‘M3’ layer), a fourth metal interconnect wire (e.g., a ‘M4’ layer), and a via rail located therebetween. Alternatively, the power rail structure may comprise the first metal interconnect wire 116, the second metal interconnect wire 120, the via rail 118, a third metal interconnect wire over the second metal interconnect wire 120 and a second via rail between the second metal interconnect wire 120 and the third metal interconnect wire, for example.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some additional embodiments of an integrated circuit 500 having a BEOL metal stack comprising a via rail.

The integrated circuit 500 comprises a dielectric structure 501 disposed over a semiconductor substrate 102. The dielectric structure 501 comprises a plurality of stacked dielectric layers (e.g., a low-k dielectric material, an oxide material, un-doped SiO₂, fluorosilicate glass, etc.) including an ILD layer 206 and a plurality of IMD layers 208 a-208 d. In some embodiments, the plurality of stacked dielectric layers are separated by a plurality of etch stop layers 502 a-502 d. For example, the ILD layer 206 is separated from the first IMD layer 208 a by a first etch stop layer (ESL) 502 a, the first IMD layer 208 a is separated from a second IMD layer 208 b by a second ESL 502 b, etc. In various embodiments, the plurality of etch stop layers 502 a-502 d may comprise titanium nitride (TiN) and/or tantalum nitride (TaN).

A plurality of conductive contacts 114 are arranged within the ILD layer 206. A first diffusion barrier liner 504 a separates the plurality of conductive contacts 114 from the ILD layer 206. The first diffusion barrier liner 504 a is configured to prevent diffusion of metal atoms from the plurality of conductive contacts 114 to the ILD layer 206. In some embodiments, the first diffusion barrier liner 504 a may comprise tantalum (Ta) or titanium nitride (TaN). In some embodiments, the first diffusion barrier liner 504 a is located in direct contact with the first ESL 502 a.

A first metal interconnect wire 116 is arranged within the first IMD layer 208 a. A second diffusion barrier liner 504 b separates the first metal interconnect wire 116 from the first IMD layer 208 a. The second diffusion barrier liner 504 b also separates the first metal interconnect wire 116 from the plurality of conductive contacts 114. A second metal interconnect wire 120 is arranged over the first metal interconnect wire 116. In various embodiments, the first and second metal interconnect wires, 116 and 120, may comprise a conductive material, such as copper, aluminum, titanium, tungsten, etc.

The first metal interconnect wire 116 is electrically coupled to the second metal interconnect wire 120 by a via rail 118. An upper surface of the via rail 118 is in direct contact with the second metal interconnect wire 120. A third diffusion barrier liner 504 c separates the via rail 118 and the second metal interconnect wire 120 from the second IMD layer 208 b. The third diffusion barrier liner 504 c also separates a lower surface of the via rail 118 from the first metal interconnect wire 116. A second via 122 is arranged within a third IMD layer 208 c and a third metal interconnect wire 506 is arranged on the second via 122. The second via 122 is separated from the third IMD layer 208 c by a fourth diffusion barrier liner 504 d.

Although FIGS. 1-5 illustrate integrated circuits having a back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal stack arranged over planar transistors, it will be appreciated that the BEOL metal stack disclosed herein may also be used in conjunction with FinFET devices. FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate some embodiments of an integrated circuit comprising a back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal stack with a via rail arranged over a plurality of FinFET devices.

FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an integrated circuit 600 comprising a BEOL metal stack with a via rail 118 arranged over a plurality of FinFET devices 601. FIG. 6B illustrates a three-dimensional view 612 of the integrated chip 600 (cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A shown along line A-A′).

The integrated chip 600 comprises a fin of semiconductor material 604 protruding from an underlying semiconductor substrate 602. In some embodiments, the fin of semiconductor material 604 comprises the same material as the semiconductor substrate 602. Epitaxial source/drain regions 606 are arranged within the fin of semiconductor material 604.

A plurality of gate structures 608 (to simplify the illustration, a single gate structure 608 is labeled in the figures) are disposed over the semiconductor substrate 602. The plurality of gate structures 608 straddle the fin of semiconductor material 604. The plurality of gate structures 608 are configured to control the flow of charge carriers within the fin of semiconductor material 604. In some embodiments, the plurality of gate structures 608 may comprise a gate electrode and a gate dielectric layer 202, which separates the gate electrode from the fin of semiconductor material 604.

A dielectric layer 610 is arranged over the semiconductor substrate 602. The dielectric layer 610 extends along a planar surface of the semiconductor substrate 602, and along sidewalls and an upper surface of the fin of semiconductor material 604. In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 610 may comprise a silicon dioxide (SiO₂) layer.

A plurality of middle-end-of-the-line (MEOL) structures 112 (to simplify the illustration, a single MEOL structure 112 is labeled in the figures) are arranged over the epitaxial source/drain regions 606 at locations interleaved between the plurality of gate structures 608. A plurality of conductive contacts 114 (to simplify the illustration, a single conductive contact 114 is labeled in the figures) are coupled to FinFET devices 601 within the semiconductor substrate 602. In some embodiments, the plurality of conductive contacts 114 are arranged onto the plurality of MEOL structures 112. In other embodiments, the plurality of conductive contacts 114 may be arranged onto the plurality of gate structures 608. The plurality of conductive contacts 114 electrically couple the transistor devices 107 to a first metal interconnect wire 116. A via rail 118 is arranged over the first metal interconnect wire 116, and a second metal interconnect wire 120 is arranged on the via rail 118. A second via 122 is arranged on the second metal interconnect wire 120. In some embodiments, the via rail 118 continuously extends over two or more of the conductive contacts 114.

FIGS. 7-17 illustrate cross-sectional views 700-1700 of some embodiments of a method of forming a via rail within a back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal stack.

As shown in cross-sectional view 700, a well region 106 is formed within a semiconductor substrate 102. In various embodiments, the semiconductor substrate 102 may be any type of semiconductor body (e.g., silicon, SiGe, SOI) such as a semiconductor wafer and/or one or more dies on a wafer, as well as any other type of metal layer, device, semiconductor and/or epitaxial layers, etc., associated therewith. The semiconductor substrate 102 may comprise an intrinsically doped semiconductor substrate having a first doping type (e.g., an n-type doping or a p-type doping).

The well region 106 may be formed by selectively implanting a dopant species 702 into the semiconductor substrate 102 (e.g., an n-well may be formed within a p-type substrate, to form a PMOS active area, by implanting a p-type dopant into the substrate prior to the formation of the gate structures). In some embodiments, the dopant species 702 may be selectively implanted into the semiconductor substrate 102 according to a first masking layer 704 arranged over the semiconductor substrate 102. In some embodiments, the first masking layer 704 may comprise a photoresist layer. In such embodiments, the first masking layer 704 may be patterned by selectively exposing a photoresist layer to radiation, and subsequently developing the photoresist layer.

As shown in cross-sectional view 800, a plurality of gate structures 110 are formed over the well region 106. The plurality of gate structures 110 comprise a gate electrode 204 separated from the semiconductor substrate 102 by a gate dielectric layer 202. In some embodiments, the plurality of gate structures 110 may be formed by forming a gate dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate 102 and subsequently forming a gate electrode layer over the gate dielectric layer. The gate dielectric layer and the gate electrode layer are subsequently patterned according to a photolithography process to form the plurality of gate structures 110.

As shown in cross-sectional view 900, a plurality of source/drain regions 108 are formed within the well region 106. In some embodiments, the plurality of source/drain regions 108 may be formed by selectively implanting a dopant species 902 into the semiconductor substrate 102 according to the gate structures 110 and a second masking layer 904. In various embodiments, the dopant species 902 may comprise a p-type dopant (e.g., boron, gallium, etc.) or an n-type dopant (e.g., phosphorus, arsenic, etc.). In some embodiments, the dopant species 902 may be driven into the semiconductor substrate 102 by performing a subsequent high-temperature anneal. In some alternative embodiments, the source/drain regions 108 may be formed by etch and epitaxial growth processes at a location within or overlying the semiconductor substrate 102.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1000, a plurality of middle-end-of-the-line (MEOL) structures 112 are formed over the plurality of source/drain regions 108 at locations laterally interleaved between the plurality of gate structures 110. In some embodiments, the plurality of MEOL structures 112 are formed by depositing an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer 206 over the semiconductor substrate 102. The ILD layer 206 is subsequently etched to form openings that are filled with a conductive material to form the plurality of MEOL structures 112. In other embodiments, the plurality of MEOL structures 112 may be formed prior to the formation of the ILD layer 206.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1100, a first inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer 208 a is formed over the ILD layer 206. In some embodiments, a first etch stop layer (ESL) 502 a is formed over the ILD layer 206 prior to the formation of the first IMD layer 208 a, so that the first ESL 502 a separates the ILD layer 206 from the first IMD layer 208 a. In some embodiments, the first ESL 502 a may comprise a titanium nitride layer or tantalum layer deposited by a physical vapor deposition process (e.g., PVD, CVE, PE-CVD, ALD, etc.). In some embodiments, the first IMD layer 208 a may comprise a low-k dielectric layer formed by a physical vapor deposition process. The first IMD layer 208 a is subsequently exposed to an etchant 1102 according to a third masking layer 1104 (e.g., a photoresist layer) to form a plurality of conductive contact holes 1106.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1200, a first diffusion barrier liner 504 a is deposited in the conductive contact holes 1106. The first diffusion barrier liner 504 a is arranged along sidewalls and a lower surface of the conductive contact holes 1106. In some embodiments, the first diffusion barrier liner 504 a may be deposited using a physical vapor deposition processes (e.g., PVD, CVD, etc.). A conductive material (e.g., copper, tungsten, and/or aluminum) is formed within the conductive contact holes 1106 to form a plurality of conductive contacts 114. In some embodiments, the conductive material may be formed by first depositing a seed layer 1202 within the conductive contact holes 1106, followed by a subsequent plating process (e.g., an electroplating process, an electro-less plating process, etc.) to fill the conductive contact holes 1106 (with a conductive fill 1204). In some embodiments, a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process may be subsequently performed.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1300, a second IMD layer 208 b is formed over the first IMD layer 208 a. In some embodiments, a second ESL 502 b is formed over the first IMD layer 208 a, so that the second ESL 502 b separates the first IMD layer 208 a from the second IMD layer 208 b. A first metal interconnect wire 116 is formed within the second IMD layer 208 b. In some embodiments, the first metal interconnect wire 116 may be formed by forming the second IMD layer 208 b over the first IMD layer 208 a, and subsequently etching the second IMD layer 208 b to form a first metal wire trench 1302. A second diffusion barrier liner 504 b is deposited in the first metal wire trench 1302. The first metal wire trench 1302 is then filled with a conductive material (e.g., tungsten, copper, or aluminum copper) to form the first metal interconnect wire 116.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1400, a third IMD layer 208 c is formed over the second IMD layer 208 b. In some embodiments, a third ESL 502 c is formed between the second IMD layer 208 b and the third IMD layer 208 c. The third IMD layer 208 c is exposed to a first etchant 1402 according to a fourth masking layer 1404 to form a via rail hole 1406 extending into an upper surface of the third IMD layer 208 c. In some embodiments, the via rail hole 1406 extends along the upper surface of the third IMD layer 208 c over two or more of the plurality of conductive contacts 114.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1500, the third IMD layer 208 c is exposed to a second etchant 1502 according to a fifth masking layer 1504 to form a second metal wire trench 1506 extending into the upper surface of the third IMD layer 208 c. The via rail hole 1406 and the second metal wire trench 1506 collectively extend from the upper surface of the third IMD layer 208 c to the third ESL 502 c. In some embodiments, the etching operations shown in cross-sectional views 1400 and 1500 may be performed in a reverse order (e.g., so that the second metal wire trench 1506 is formed prior to forming the via rail hole 1406).

As shown in cross-sectional view 1600, a third diffusion barrier liner 504 c is deposited along sidewalls and lower surfaces of the via rail hole 1406 and the second metal wire trench 1506. A conductive material (e.g., copper, tungsten, and/or aluminum) is subsequently formed within the via rail hole 1406 and the second metal wire trench 1506. In some embodiments, the conductive material may be formed by first depositing a seed layer within the via rail hole 1406 and the second metal wire trench 1506, followed by a subsequent plating process (e.g., an electroplating process, an electro-less plating process) to fill the via rail hole 1406 and the second metal wire trench 1506. In some embodiments, a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process may be subsequently performed.

As shown in cross-sectional view 1700, a fourth IMD layer 208 d is formed over the third IMD layer 208 c. In some embodiments, a fourth ESL 502 d is formed between the third IMD layer 208 c and the fourth IMD layer 208 d. The fourth IMD layer 208 d is etched to form a second via hole 1702 and an overlying third metal wire trench 1704. A fourth diffusion barrier liner 504 d is deposited along sidewalls and lower surfaces of the second via hole 1702 and the third metal wire trench 1704. A conductive material (e.g., copper, tungsten, and/or aluminum) is subsequently formed within the second via hole 1702 and the third metal wire trench 1704 to form a via 122 and a third metal interconnect wire 520.

FIG. 18 illustrates a flow diagram of some embodiments of a method 1800 of forming an integrated circuit having a BEOL metal stack comprising a via rail. Although method 1800 is described in relation to FIGS. 7-17, it will be appreciated that the method 1800 is not limited to such structures, but instead may stand alone as a method independent of the structures.

Furthermore, while the disclosed methods (e.g., methods 1700 and 1800) are illustrated and described herein as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the illustrated ordering of such acts or events are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or described herein. In addition, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement one or more aspects or embodiments of the description herein. Further, one or more of the acts depicted herein may be carried out in one or more separate acts and/or phases.

At 1802, an optimized height of a cell may be determined in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the optimized cell height may be determined based upon electro-migration specifications of simulations run on a cell layout. This is because the cell height impacts a width of the power rails (e.g., a smaller cell height will have a smaller power rail width than a larger cell height), such that the electro-migration specifications of the power rail may be a limiting factor of the optimized cell height. FIG. 19 illustrates a method 1900 of some embodiments corresponding to act 1802.

At 1804, a well region is formed within a semiconductor substrate. The well region may have a width that is determined based upon the optimized cell height. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view 700 of some embodiments corresponding to act 1804.

At 1806, a plurality of gate structures are formed over the well region. FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view 800 of some embodiments corresponding to act 1806.

At 1808, a plurality of source/drain regions are formed within the well region on opposing sides of the plurality of gate structures. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view 900 of some embodiments corresponding to act 1808.

At 1810, a plurality of middle-end-of-the-line (MEOL) structures are formed over the well region interleaved between the plurality of gate structures. FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view 1000 of some embodiments corresponding to act 1810.

At 1812, a plurality of conductive contacts are formed over the gate structures and/or the MEOL structures. FIGS. 11-12 illustrate cross-sectional views 1100-1200 of some embodiments corresponding to act 1812.

At 1814, a first metal interconnect wire is formed over the plurality of conductive contacts. FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view 1300 of some embodiments corresponding to act 1814.

At 1816, a via rail is formed over the first metal interconnect wire. The via rail has a length that extends over two or more of the conductive contacts. FIGS. 15-16 illustrate cross-sectional views 1400-1600 of some embodiments corresponding to act 1816.

At 1818, a second metal interconnect wire is formed over the via rail. FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view 1700 of some embodiments corresponding to act 1818.

FIG. 19 illustrates a flow diagram of some embodiments of a method 1900 of determining a cell height based on electro-migration specifications.

At 1902, an integrated circuit layout is provided. The integrated circuit layout has an initial cell height (e.g., between a first power rail held at V_(DD) and a second power rail held at V_(SS)) and MEOL structure pitch.

At 1904, a cell height and MEOL structure pitch is determined. The cell height and MEOL structure pitch correspond to a cross-sectional area between a power rail and a transistor device within an active area of a cell.

At 1906, a first electro-migration specification is determined for an integrated circuit layout having a single power rail structure (e.g., a power rail that is a first metal interconnect wire) within a cell having the determined cell height and MEOL structure pitch. In some embodiments, the first electro-migration specification may be determined using a simulation (e.g., SPICE).

At 1908, the first electro-migration specification is compared to a first predetermined electro-migration criteria. If the first electro-migration specification violates the first predetermined electro-migration criteria, the method 1900 proceeds to 1910. If the first electro-migration specification does not violate the first predetermined electro-migration criteria, the method 1900 proceeds to 1920.

At 1910, a second electro-migration specification is determined for an integrated circuit layout having a dual power rail structure (e.g., a power rail that is a first metal interconnect wire and an overlying second metal interconnect wire) within a cell having the initial cell height and MEOL structure pitch.

At 1912, the second electro-migration specification may be compared to the first predetermined electro-migration criteria. If the second electro-migration specification violates the first predetermined electro-migration criteria, the method 1900 proceeds to 1914. If the second electro-migration specification does not violate the first predetermined electro-migration criteria, the method 1900 proceeds to 1920.

At 1914, a third electro-migration specification is determined for an integrated circuit layout having a dual power rail structure with a via rail (e.g., a power rail that is a first metal wire layer and a second metal wire layer coupled by a via rail) within a cell having the determined cell height and MEOL structure pitch.

At 1916, the third electro-migration specification may be compared to the first predetermined electro-migration criteria. If the third electro-migration specification violates the first predetermined electro-migration criteria, the method 1900 proceeds to 1918. If the third electro-migration specification does not violate the first predetermined electro-migration criteria, the method 1900 proceeds to 1920.

At 1918, the cell height is increased. Increasing the cell height allows for the width of the power rails to be increased, thereby reducing the electro-migration specification. The method 1900 then repeats acts 1904-1916 using the new cell height.

At 1920, the first, second, or third electro-migration specification is compared to a second predetermined electro-migration criteria. If the first, second or third electro-migration specification do not violate the second predetermined electro-migration criteria, the first, second or third electro-migration specification pass the second predetermined electro-migration criteria by a relatively large amount, and the cell height can be further reduced at 1922. The method 1900 then repeats acts 1904-1916 using the new cell height.

However, if the first, second, or third electro-migration specification violates the second pre-determined electro-migration criteria, the first, second, or third electro-migration specifications marginally pass the second predetermined electro-migration criteria and the determined cell height is set as an optimized cell height (at 1924).

Therefore, the present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit having back-end-of-the-line (BEOL) metal stack that with a power rail structure, comprising two metal wire layers and an intervening via rail, which enables proper cell scaling while preventing reliability concerns such as electro-migration and/or IR issues.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit comprises a plurality of conductive contacts arranged over a semiconductor substrate. A first metal interconnect wire is arranged over the plurality of conductive contacts, and a second metal interconnect wire is arranged over the first metal interconnect wire. A via rail is arranged over the first metal interconnect wire and is configured to electrically couple the first metal interconnect wire and the second metal interconnect wire. The via rail has a length that continuously extends over two or more of the plurality of conductive contacts.

In other embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit comprises an active area comprising plurality of source/drain regions arranged within a well region disposed in a substrate. A plurality of gate structures are arranged over the substrate between adjacent ones of the plurality of source/drain regions at a contact gate pitch, and a plurality of middle-end-of-the-line (MEOL) structures are arranged on the plurality of source/drain regions. A plurality of conductive contacts are arranged over the plurality of MEOL structures. A first metal interconnect wire is arranged over the plurality of conductive contacts, and a second metal interconnect wire arranged over the first metal interconnect wire. A via rail is configured to electrically couple the first metal interconnect wire and the second metal interconnect wire. The via rail has a length that is greater than the contact gate pitch.

In yet other embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of forming an integrated circuit. The method comprises forming a plurality of conductive contacts over a semiconductor substrate. The method further comprises forming a first metal interconnect wire over the plurality of conductive contacts. The method further comprises forming a via rail over the first metal interconnect wire, wherein the via rail has a length that continuously extends over two or more of the plurality of conductive contacts. The method further comprises forming a second metal interconnect wire onto the via rail.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated circuit, comprising: an active area comprising a plurality of source/drain regions arranged within a well region disposed in a substrate; a plurality of gate structures arranged over the substrate between adjacent ones of the plurality of source/drain regions at a contact gate pitch; a plurality of middle-end-of-the-line (MEOL) structures arranged on the plurality of source/drain regions; a plurality of conductive contacts arranged over the plurality of MEOL structures; a first metal interconnect wire arranged over the plurality of conductive contacts; a second metal interconnect wire arranged over the first metal interconnect wire; a via rail configured to electrically couple the first metal interconnect wire and the second metal interconnect wire, wherein the via rail has a length that is greater than the contact gate pitch and continuously extends directly over the plurality of gate structures; and wherein the first metal interconnect wire and the second metal interconnect wire extend as continuous structures past opposing sides of the via rail.
 2. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein a lower surface of the via rail is separated from the first metal interconnect wire by way of a diffusion barrier liner and an upper surface of the via rail directly contacts the second metal interconnect wire.
 3. An integrated circuit, comprising: a plurality of conductive contacts electrically coupled to a plurality of source regions within a semiconductor substrate; a first metal interconnect wire arranged over the plurality of conductive contacts; a second metal interconnect wire arranged over the first metal interconnect wire; and a via rail laterally surrounded by a diffusion barrier liner that physically contacts an upper surface of the first metal interconnect wire, wherein the via rail is configured to electrically couple the first metal interconnect wire and the second metal interconnect wire, and wherein the via rail continuously extends directly over the plurality of conductive contacts and past outermost edges of the plurality of source regions.
 4. The integrated circuit of claim 3, further comprising: a plurality of gate structures arranged over the semiconductor substrate; and a plurality of middle-end-of-the-line (MEOL) structures arranged on and contacting the plurality of source regions between the plurality of gate structures, wherein the via rail continuously extends over the plurality of MEOL structures and the plurality of gate structures.
 5. The integrated circuit of claim 4, further comprising: a first inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer surrounding the plurality of MEOL structures and the plurality of gate structures; an etch stop layer contacting a top of the first IMD layer; and a second IMD layer surrounding the plurality of conductive contacts.
 6. The integrated circuit of claim 5, further comprising: a third IMD layer over the second IMD layer and laterally surrounding the via rail and the second metal interconnect wire.
 7. The integrated circuit of claim 4, wherein the plurality of conductive contacts comprise: a first conductive contact physically contacting an upper surface of a first MEOL structure that contacts a first source region of the plurality of source regions, the first source region disposed alongside a first gate structure of the plurality of gate structures; and a second conductive contact physically contacting an upper surface of a second MEOL structure that contacts a second source region of the plurality of source regions, the second source region disposed alongside a second gate structure of the plurality of gate structures.
 8. The integrated circuit of claim 3, further comprising: a well region disposed within the semiconductor substrate and continuously extending around the plurality of source regions.
 9. The integrated circuit of claim 3, wherein the first metal interconnect wire and the second metal interconnect wire extend in a same direction as continuous structures past opposing sides of the via rail.
 10. The integrated circuit of claim 3, wherein a vertical line that is perpendicular to an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate extends through a sidewall of the via rail and into the semiconductor substrate at a location that is outside of the plurality of source regions.
 11. The integrated circuit of claim 3, wherein the diffusion barrier liner continuously extends from a sidewall of the second metal interconnect wire to a bottom surface of the via rail.
 12. The integrated circuit of claim 3, wherein an upper surface of the via rail is not separated from the second metal interconnect wire by way of the diffusion barrier liner.
 13. The integrated circuit of claim 3, wherein the via rail has angled sidewalls that are oriented at a first angle with respect to a line that is normal to an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate; and wherein the first metal interconnect wire has angled sidewalls that are oriented at a second angle with respect to the line that is normal to the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, the first angle is different than the second angle.
 14. An integrated circuit, comprising: a plurality of gate structures arranged over a substrate between adjacent ones of a plurality of source/drain regions; a plurality of conductive contacts arranged over the plurality of source/drain regions; a first conductive interconnect wire arranged over the plurality of conductive contacts; a second conductive interconnect wire arranged over the first conductive interconnect wire; and a via rail configured to electrically couple the first conductive interconnect wire and the second conductive interconnect wire, wherein the via rail continuously extends directly over the plurality of gate structures, and wherein the first conductive interconnect wire and second conductive interconnect wire extend as continuous structures past opposing sides of the via rail.
 15. The integrated circuit of claim 14, wherein the via rail physically contacts the second conductive interconnect wire and laterally contacts a diffusion barrier liner that physically contacts the first conductive interconnect wire.
 16. The integrated circuit of claim 15, further comprising: an etch stop layer laterally contacting the diffusion barrier liner and vertically contacting the first conductive interconnect wire on the opposing sides of the via rail.
 17. The integrated circuit of claim 14, wherein the via rail continuously extends over the plurality of conductive contacts and over three or more of the plurality of source/drain regions.
 18. The integrated circuit of claim 14, further comprising: a plurality of middle-end-of-the-line (MEOL) structures arranged on the plurality of source/drain regions and having heights that are substantially equal to heights of the plurality of gate structures, wherein the plurality of conductive contacts are arranged over the plurality of MEOL structures; and wherein the via rail continuously extends over the plurality of MEOL structures.
 19. The integrated circuit of claim 14, further comprising: a first inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer surrounding the first conductive interconnect wire; a second ILD layer surrounding the via rail and the second conductive interconnect wire; a first etch stop layer arranged between the first ILD layer and the second ILD layer; a via arranged over the second conductive interconnect wire, wherein the via has a smaller size than the via rail; a third ILD layer surrounding the via; and a second etch stop layer arranged between the second ILD layer and the third ILD layer.
 20. The integrated circuit of claim 14, wherein the via rail has angled sidewalls that cause a top surface of the via rail to have a greater width than a bottom surface of the via rail. 